Good morning, West Chester.

Chester County OIC shared its October updates on adult education, workforce training, and community reentry programs; it reported that hundreds of students were served in September and will start the Work Enclave program on Oct.

20 with interviews open until Nov. 19. The nonprofit will also offer new courses and support to help residents build better careers — steps aimed at strengthening local opportunities.

Habitat for Humanity of Chester County will join the first-ever Rural Rally—part of the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project—on October 30 at Fuller Meadows in West Grove, where community members can attend a presentation from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. and join a volunteer session from noon to 3:00 p.m. that has room for 20 volunteers and highlights the need for affordable housing in rural areas.

Laurie Ryan, a long-time West Chester resident with extensive chamber management experience, will begin serving as President of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce effective November 3—she led the Exton Region Chamber and brings her skills to guide nearly 600 local businesses.

After closing all its locations last month in West Chester and Exton, Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant filed for bankruptcy on October 8, ending nearly three decades in business.

The Chapter 7 filing shows the chain owes creditors over $20 million with only about $125,000 available, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office is monitoring complaints over unused gift cards.

Girls Exploring Tomorrow's Technology celebrates 25 years by hosting a free STEM conference for girls in grades 4-10 on Saturday, Nov 1 from 10 AM – 2 PM at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks where over 100 hands-on activities and industry role models will inspire interest in STEM.

The West Chester NAACP and YMCA of Greater Brandywine donated over 200 books to childcare centers — a part of the Celebrate 365 program that honors Black history and supports education.

Leaders say the gift will help more than 5,000 young learners start school with better resources.

Early last week, Brian Nagle from MacElree Harvey presented West Chester University's 10-Year Campus Master Plan at the Madeline Wing Adler Theatre where over 60 community members learned about plans for residential expansion, new commons, historic renovations, and infrastructure improvements & sustainability initiatives. The projects will update facilities on existing property in phases over several years and are contingent on future funding and development applications.

West Chester University’s College of Health Sciences and Chester County Hospital are hosting a free Hands-Only CPR training on Saturday, October 11 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Sturzebecker Health Sciences Center—participants will learn chest compressions, AED use, and Early Heart Attack Care while receiving a complimentary boxed lunch.

Dub C Swing Concert

7-9 p.m. — Kennett Flash — $20 GA | $10 Students | $5 BYOB — Experience fresh instrumental versions of your favorite songs with Dub C Swing.

West Chester Chili Cook-Off 2025

12-4 p.m. — Downtown West Chester PA — Free entry — Experience a flavorful showdown with great food, live music, and friendly competition.

13th Annual Unite For HER Run/Walk

9-11 a.m. — Downtown West Chester PA — $30 – $60 — Come together to support breast and ovarian cancer patients through community run/walk efforts.

West Chester French: Café and Conversation

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Panera Bread — Free entry — Indulge in French culture with conversation, wine, cheese, and chocolate tastings.

West Chester Halloween Parade

5-8 p.m. — West Chester Railroad — $50 – $80 — Celebrate Halloween with a train ride featuring live music, games, and spooky fun.

West Chester Halloween Parade 2025

1 p.m. — Downtown West Chester PA — Free — Celebrate Halloween with costumes, candy stations, and local performances at this family-friendly parade.

Throwdown Thursdays at Más

9-11:45 p.m. — Más Mexicali Cantina — $4 Miller Lites and $10 Marg Pitchers — Enjoy line dancing with Boot Scootin Becky and perfect your moves on the dance floor.

Fall Colors Hike for Kids

11 a.m. — Oakbourne Mansion & Park — $12 per child — Engage in a family-friendly adventure blending exploration and education for children ages 3-8.